First new antibiotic in 50 years targeted at deadly superbug

Scientists set for final stage of human trials

- By Hanna Geissler Health Editor

THE first new antibiotic in 50 years to tackle a deadly superbug will be tested on patients in a major trial.

Zosurabalpin has shown promise in treating drug-resistant infections caused by the bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii.

This can cause infections in the blood, lungs, urinary tract and wounds, particularly in hospitals, with death rates for infected patients estimated at 40% to 60%.

It has been listed by the World Health Organisation as a priority antibiotic-resistant pathogen.